SPM for AutoCAD > Features > Coordinate management > Smart coordinate transformations

Smart coordinate transformations in AutoCAD

Automatic coordinate transformation with selectable accuracy variants

The application automatically assigns the correct source CRS in common scenarios — for example, WGS84 when importing from Google Earth (KML/KMZ) — and lets you select a standard target CRS. For each transformation between two coordinate systems, you can choose among multiple variants, each offering different accuracy levels depending on the region. All transformation details, including the method and parameters, can be reviewed before execution.

Editions: Basic Standard Professional
What's included in the feature Smart coordinate transformations

Discover the full potential of this set of tools designed to enhance GIS data integration and editing within AutoCAD.

Automatic coordinate transformation

The application helps when entering any configuration setting. For example, if you are importing from Google Earth (KML/KMZ), the source CRS is automatically set to WGS84 and the target CRS can be set to a standard projected CRS.

Automatic coordinate transformation<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>

Transformation variants

For coordinate transformations between two coordinate reference systems, multiple variants can be selected. Each variant offers specific accuracy for a particular area, and all details — such as the transformation method and parameters — can be reviewed.

Transformation variants<span style='font-size: 1rem;'></span>
Resources and Information
links
Coordinates transformation - User manual
Related features
Coordinate Reference Systems<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../coordinate-reference-systems/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Coordinate Reference Systems

Unified CRS catalog for assigning and transforming coordinates

CRS customization<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../crs-customization/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

CRS customization

Load custom grid files and define custom coordinate systems

Transform drawings Coordinate System<span style='font-size: 1rem;'> - <a href='../transform-drawings-coordinate-system/' class='app_color_link'>More info ></a></span>

Transform drawings Coordinate System

Transform the Coordinate System (CRS) of a whole drawing or a set of selected objects, which automatically creates a new drawing including geometrically regenerated objects from the current drawing according to the chosen transformation between two CRSs

* Only available in Professional edition

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frequently asked questions
Current compatible AutoCAD applications:
  • AutoCAD, AutoCAD Map 3D, AutoCAD Civil 3D and AutoCAD Architecture (Windows Only)
  • Versions: From v.2013 to v.2026 both included. Review the version compatibility page for more details.
Note: AutoCAD LT is not a compatible application because of its intrinsic limitations but you can use Spatial Manager Desktop™ to import/export via DXF files
System requirements:
  • Windows 7 or higher, within the operating system versions supported by the AutoCAD version used
  • 500 MB free disk space, or more
  • Windows Installer 3.1 or later
Spatial files
  • Esri Shape file - (SHP)
  • Google Earth file - (KML, KMZ)
  • OpenStreetMap file - (OSM, PBF, OSC) (1)
  • LiDAR file - (LAS, LAZ)
  • GPS exchange format file - (GPX)
  • Esri ASCII Grid file - (ASC, ASCII) (1)
  • ASCII text file - (ASC, CSV, NEZ, TXT, XYZ, UPT)
  • SQLite file - (SQLITE, DB)
  • GeoPackage file - (GPKG)
  • GML file - (GML, GZ, XML)
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
  • Autodesk SDF file - (SDF) (3)
  • MicroStation v.7 file - (DGN) (2)
  • AutoCAD DXF file - (DXF) (2)
  • Esri ArcInfo export file (ASCII) - (E00) (1) (2)
  • MapInfo file - (TAB) (2)
  • MapInfo interchange format file - (MIF/MID) (2)
  • GeoJSON file - (GEO.JSON)

Spatial raster files
  • Raster image file - (TIF, PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF) (1)
    • Georeference sources - (World files, Google Earth .GEPRINT, etc.)
  • Variable resolution Raster image file - (Cloud Optimized GeoTIFF/COG TIFF) (1) (4)

Spatial data servers and Geo-databases
  • Esri Geodatabase File - (GDB) (1)
  • PostGIS database
  • Microsoft SQL Server Spatial database
  • MySQL database (1) (3)

Image map servers
  • WMS/OGC API Maps Web Map Services (4)
  • WMTS/OGC API Tiles Web Map Tile Services (4)
  • XYZ/TMS Tile Map Services (4)

Other spatial data sources
  • Open Database Connectivity ODBC (1)
  • WFS/OGC API Features data store (1)
  • WFS data store (FDO) (1) (3) (6)
  • WFS data store (OGR) (1) (2) (5) (6)

(1) Read-only
(2) OGR data source
(3) FDO provider
(4) Background Maps technology
(5) OGR for WFS data stores will not be found in the data Provider list under some circumstances (certain AutoCAD Map versions and others). Please, use the native or FDO variants for this data Provider
(6) DEPRECATED - Whenever possible use the native WFS/OGC API Features data provider

Note: certain data Providers are only valid for some Editions of the application